Previous FBI Chief James Comey Submits Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Misleading Congress

Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the former director has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and obstructing a legislative process.

The former director's legal representative filed the answer representing him in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would attempt to have the proceedings terminated for multiple factors including that his client, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was charged just days after Donald Trump urged his attorney general to take action against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald told the judge they aimed to file various legal requests to throw out the proceedings before a legal hearing, stating the government's case was retaliatory and that a US attorney was improperly assigned to assume control of the case.

The former director's case was initially managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under influence from Trump after his investigation into another political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

James Comey seemed in positive mood as he walked into the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and making jokes. He was joined by his partner, Mrs Failor and daughter Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the Trump administration recently fired.

Upon hearing to the magistrate read his legal protections and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, Mr Comey was questioned if he grasped the allegations.

"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the proceedings.

Historical Information

James Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about four months into Donald Trump's first administration as national leader. At the period, the director was overseeing an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.

While in office, James Comey triggered a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he declared just shortly prior to the national vote that he was probing presidential nominee Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were never brought, causing negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors allege James Comey lied to Congress during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They say he provided false information to the Senate by saying he had not approved an individual at the FBI to disclose to news outlets data about the government examinations.

Government lawyers also accuse the defendant of "improperly attempting to influence, hinder and slow" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording the former director posted to his social media after he was charged, he said he was innocent and alleged Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "tyrant".

"Our household have known for a long time that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump," he stated. "We refuse to live on our knees."

"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "So let's have a trial."

The accusations against the former director came after Donald Trump shared on digital channels calling for his top legal official, the attorney general, charge the former director and additional individuals.